Sofia Castañeda 

Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut  
School: Rye Country Day School

Sofía Castañeda is the daughter of Peruvian and Swedish immigrants, currently living in Connecticut and attending school in New York. She is heavily involved with the DEI and Public Purpose programs at her high school, serving on student boards and running the Hispanic and Latino Cultural Club and the Adult ESL Program. She is passionate about elevating minority voices and increasing representation in all aspects of our lives, especially in the public health sector. Through the NextGen program, Sofía formed meaningful friendships that she will treasure forever and professional relationships that she will utilize for the rest of her career. She would recommend this program for any young Latino looking to expand their knowledge of not only the intricate workings of our country, but how we can collaborate and support each other to advance as a people.